doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
B

British International School of Houston

United States, Houston

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $15,540 - 39,500
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1000
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 2000
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), British Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, French, English, Dutch, German
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Sixth Form
Introduction

British International School of Houston is an international day school providing education for ages 3 to 18 in Katy, Texas. The school offers a British-inspired curriculum within a global framework, combining the English National Curriculum (including the Early Years Foundation Stage) with the International Primary Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, and the IB Diploma or Career-related Programme. BIS Houston serves a community of more than 75 nationalities and is part of Nord Anglia Education, known for its globally connected curricula and international partnerships. The campus spans 33 acres and features glass-encased spaces designed for collaboration. Facilities include a MIT-inspired Maker Space, a Juilliard-influenced Performing Arts Centre with a 600-seat theatre, an Agora library, and a BOMA cafeteria. Sports facilities include two NCAA-sized gyms, a six-lane swimming pool, FIFA-pitch soccer fields, and a fitness suite. The school emphasizes technology with an Apple Distinguished School designation and a 1:1 device program across year groups.

2203 N Westgreen Blvd, Katy, TX 77449, United States

The Essentials

British International School of Houston has 1,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
The British International School of Houston is located at 2203 North Westgreen Boulevard, Katy, TX 77449, United States. It serves students aged 3–18 (Early Years to High School).

Stages
Early Years Ages 3–5; Primary School Ages 5–11; Middle School Ages 11–14; High School Ages 14–18.

Type
International school

Pupil Nationality Mix
In BIS Houston's campus, over 80 nationalities are represented.

Bus service
Premium school bus service with air-conditioned buses and 3-point safety belts. 15 pick-up locations across Katy, Katy West, Richmond, Heights, Dairy Ashford, Galleria area, Lakes on Eldridge North, Lakes on Eldridge, Twin Lakes, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Cypress, and more. Enrollment is for the full school year (payments possible by term). Contact bus@houston.nae.school for enrollment and bus policy.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
The BIS Houston has uniforms and a dress code guidelines. The uniform provider is FlynnO'Hara; Years 12 and 13 follow a dress code similar to professional attire.

Food Options
Lunch is provided by Flik Independent School Dining with two options: Meal Plan (all-inclusive lunch) and A La Carte Options. Meals include a daily hot entrée, sides, and a beverage; Early Years meal plans require weekly preselection. BIS Houston uses MyKidsSpending to manage meal accounts.

House System
The BIS Houston uses a house system with four houses: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air.

Governance and Ownership
The school is part of Nord Anglia Education.
Fees

Annual tuition at British International School of Houston ranges from USD 15,540 to USD 39,500 for 2026/27.

Fees and one‑off deposits
- Application fee (one‑time, non‑refundable): USD 250.
- New student fee (one‑time, non‑refundable on joining): USD 2,500.
- Enrolment deposit (yearly; credited against the first tuition instalment; non‑refundable): USD 2,000.

Tuition fees by year group (annual and per term)
- The school year is organised in three terms. Per‑term values shown below are the annual fee divided by three (three terms per academic year).

- Early Years 1 / PK3 / Nursery (mornings or afternoons only, 5 days per week): USD 15,540 per year — USD 5,180 per term.
- Early Years 1 / PK3 / Nursery (3 full days per week): USD 16,950 per year — USD 5,650 per term.
- Early Years 1 / Nursery; Early Years 2 / Reception (full time, 5 days per week): USD 28,250 per year — USD 9,417 per term.
- EY2 / Reception / PK4 (full time): USD 29,250 per year — USD 9,750 per term.
- Year 1 (Kindergarten) through Year 2 (First Grade): USD 29,975 per year — USD 9,992 per term.
- Year 3 (Second Grade) through Year 5 (Fourth Grade): USD 31,975 per year — USD 10,659 per term.
- Year 6 (Fifth Grade): USD 32,950 per year — USD 10,983 per term.
- Year 7 (Sixth Grade): USD 33,750 per year — USD 11,250 per term.
- Year 8 (Seventh Grade): USD 34,950 per year — USD 11,650 per term.
- Year 9 (Eighth Grade): USD 36,500 per year — USD 12,167 per term.
- Year 10 (Ninth Grade): USD 36,950 per year — USD 12,317 per term.
- Year 11 (Tenth Grade): USD 37,950 per year — USD 12,650 per term.
- Year 12 (Eleventh Grade): USD 38,950 per year — USD 12,983 per term.
- Year 13 (Twelfth Grade): USD 39,500 per year — USD 13,167 per term.

Note: Tuition is subject to annual increases; the enrolment deposit is applied to reduce the first tuition instalment.

What is included and excluded from tuition
- Included: digital books, IGCSE and IB examination fees (initial exam entries), school‑loaned iPads (Years 1–9), technology fees, use of facilities, and administrative fees.
- Not included: personal technology for Years 10–13, school meal plans, transportation (bus) fees, uniforms, residential trips and special events, and extra private music lessons. Additional exam‑related costs (re‑marks, certificate courier costs outside Houston) may incur separate charges.

Learning support and EAL (English as an Additional Language) fees
- Learning support: additional learning support services are charged at extra cost; fees vary according to the level and type of support recommended by the Learning Support Team and must be approved in advance.
- EAL fees (yearly and per‑term breakdown by level):
- Years 1–2: Skilled 3–4 hours — USD 3,000 per year (Term 1 USD 1,350; Term 2 USD 1,050; Term 3 USD 600). No cost for up to 2 hours/week when minimal support required.
- Years 3–6: Skilled 3–4 hours USD 3,000 per year (T1 USD 1,350; T2 USD 1,050; T3 USD 600); Intermediate 5–7 hours USD 6,000 per year (T1 USD 2,700; T2 USD 2,100; T3 USD 1,200); Intensive 8–10 hours USD 9,000 per year (T1 USD 4,050; T2 USD 3,150; T3 USD 1,800).
- Years 7–13: Skilled 4–5 hours USD 3,000 per year (T1 USD 1,350; T2 USD 1,050; T3 USD 600); Intermediate 6–7 hours USD 6,000 per year (T1 USD 2,700; T2 USD 2,100; T3 USD 1,200); Intensive 8–10 hours USD 9,000 per year (T1 USD 4,050; T2 USD 3,150; T3 USD 1,800).

Transport and bus fees
- The school operates a contracted premium school bus service. Bus fees are billed per term or per year. For the 2025–26 season (published bus rates), the typical costs per student are: full‑time routes USD 1,645 per term (USD 4,935 per year); mornings‑only or afternoons‑only USD 905 per term (USD 2,705 per year). Bus enrolment is for the full school year but may be paid by term; withdrawal from bus services during the school year requires one full term's notice.

Other costs and regular extras
- Uniforms and dress code: uniforms are not included in tuition. Uniform items are purchased from the school's designated supplier (FlynnO'Hara) and spirit wear is available from the campus Spirit Store; families should budget separately for uniform purchases. Formal dress code guidance and supplier details are provided by the school.
- School meals and canteen accounts: meal plans and a la carte purchases are not included in tuition; families set up student meal accounts (MyKidsSpending) and fund them separately.
- After‑school activities and instrumentals: co‑curricular and ASA bookings are paid in advance through the school's activity registration system; some after‑school sessions have per‑session fees (for example, certain after‑school sessions listed at USD 10 per session). Summer camp and holiday programme fees are additional (example: regular day camp USD 550 per week; extended day USD 700 per week; registration fee USD 15 per week for Camp Bulldog where offered).
- External exam extras: initial IGCSE and IB exam entries are included; re‑marks, certificate courier charges outside Houston, and some external assessment fees are extra.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Tuition billing options: 1‑Payment (annual), 2‑Payment (half‑yearly, with a 2% financing fee), or 10‑Payment (monthly, with a 5% financing fee). For re‑enrolling families the typical schedule is: 1‑Payment due in June; 2‑Payment due in June and November; 10‑Payment due monthly from June through March.
- The enrolment deposit is credited against the first instalment. Transportation is billed per term or annually depending on the option selected; ASA and activity fees are invoiced when booked and are payable in advance. Exam fees beyond initial entries and additional learning support charges are invoiced separately.
- Finance contacts for billing queries: the Finance Office (Finance Director and Finance Officer) handle all financial matters and can be contacted directly. Payment can be remitted online via the school's payment portal.

Refunds, deposits and withdrawal notice
- Application fee, New Student Fee, and Enrolment Deposit are non‑refundable. The enrolment deposit is applied to the first tuition payment but is not refundable.
- Withdrawal notice: families in their first academic year must submit a withdrawal form before the re‑enrolment deadline in order to avoid further charges; families enrolled for more than one academic year must give one full term's notice of departure. Outstanding fees and costs must be paid before departure; official school records (reports, transcripts, certificates) are released only when all fees are up to date.
- Force majeure: in the event of a Force Majeure Event that prevents full or partial reopening, the school is under no obligation to refund any portion of fees paid unless otherwise indicated by the school. Mitigation measures (such as virtual schooling) may be provided at the school's discretion.

Boarding
- Boarding is not offered at this campus; boarding fees are not applicable. The school operates as a day school with on‑site facilities and transport options.

Practical payment notes
- The enrolment deposit reduces the first instalment balance; financing fees apply if choosing 2‑ or 10‑payment plans. Parents receive invoices and should contact the Finance Office for invoice copies or billing queries. Payments may be remitted through the school's online payment portal; the Finance Office provides invoice and payment administration.
Academics

British International School of Houston teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme), British Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school has the English National Curriculum (including the Early Years Foundation Stage), the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), and the International Baccalaureate Diploma or Career-related Programme.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates can pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the International Baccalaureate Career-related Diploma, or a US High School Diploma.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The BIS Houston Global Campus connects BIS Houston students with peers across Nord Anglia Education globally. The platform is purpose-built to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. It fosters cross-cultural understanding, empathy, agency, and collaboration. Global Campus is a powerful extension of the classroom, helping students feel part of something larger than the local community.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school provides Learning Support and Counselling Services through its Student Support Services. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department offers tailored language support with personalised learning plans and regular assessments. Heritage Language Programmes support students' first languages (e.g., Dutch, German, French, Spanish) as part of multilingual provision.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English is the language of instruction in the classroom. The English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme supports multilingual students with personalised learning plans and regular assessments. EAL provision helps students build confidence and language skills to access BIS Houston's curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a central priority at BIS Houston. Dedicated counselling is available to students, with mindfulness sessions and health-focused professional development for staff. The school emphasises mental health and emotional resilience as part of its education, with a school counsellor providing individual and group wellbeing support.

Safeguarding
As a Nord Anglia Education school, BIS Houston implements the Nord Anglia Education Safeguarding Policy to provide a safe and happy environment and to safeguard students. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Gemma Averette. Staff are trained on safeguarding and reporting procedures; Texas law requires staff to report safeguarding concerns to CPS or law enforcement within 48 hours. The school maintains safeguarding procedures and policies, including a Suicide Prevention Policy and on-site security.
Parent Experience

History
Established in 2000 in Katy, Texas. BIS Houston offers education for students aged 3 to 18. The school serves a community of learners from more than 75 nationalities. The British International School of Houston is part of the Nord Anglia Education family, with teachers who are leaders in well-established, globally recognised curricula of British heritage and international scope. BIS Houston is accredited to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Cambridge IGCSE, and NEASC accredited; it is a COBIS member and has Apple Distinguished School recognition.

Community
BIS Houston provides learning experiences that connect students to the world. Teachers are internationally experienced and inspire confidence, resilience, and creativity within an internationally minded environment. The school serves a welcoming community with learners from over 75 nationalities. We collaborate with partners such as MIT, UNICEF, Juilliard, and IMG Academy to enhance opportunities for students.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a Parent Teacher Organisation (PTO) that is led by several committee members who work with the School Leadership Team to create a welcoming and inclusive community. With a diverse school population, BIS Houston's PTO is a vital part of the school community. The PTO organises events throughout the academic year, and supports new families to help them feel welcome beyond the classroom. Events include whole-school fairs, off-site parent events, courses/lectures for parents, casual coffee mornings, and second-hand uniform sales. The PTO Board includes President Yasmin Wilkinson; VP of Programmes Martha Quintero; VP of Neighbourhood Representatives Susan Lam; Secretary Claire Allard; and Treasurer Olga Takhtarova.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The BIS Houston campus sits on 33 acres in Katy with glass architecture designed for collaborative learning. A central atrium connects learning activities and glass walls keep student work visible. MIT-inspired Maker Spaces support modelling, prototyping and building creative projects. The Juilliard-influenced Performing Arts Centre offers a 600-seat theatre, a black box space, a choral room and a dance studio. The Agora library provides a university-style space for all year groups, and the BOMA cafeteria includes a Parent Café.

Sports Facilities
Two NCAA-sized gymnasiums. A six-lane aquatics centre. FIFA-regulation soccer pitches. A fitness suite. Additional spaces support other sports and athletics.

Academic Facilities
MIT-inspired Maker Spaces enable modelling, prototyping and building. The Juilliard-influenced Performing Arts Centre provides a 600-seat theatre, a black box space, a choral room and a dance studio. The Agora is a university-inspired library with a bright common space for all year groups. The campus uses technology in lessons and holds Apple Distinguished School designation for the 2024–2027 term, with a 1:1 iPad program from Early Years through Middle School and MacBook options from Year 10 onward. Central atrium and glass walls connect learners across year groups.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Learning happens everywhere in flexible spaces and outdoors, with spaces designed for learning, play and sports and athletics. Students can engage in public speaking on the stage. The central library brings students together across year groups, supporting collaboration. Apple Distinguished School designation shows technology is integrated into learning across the curriculum; BIS Houston runs a 1:1 device program. Creativity and arts are supported through maker spaces and the Performing Arts Centre.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Model United Nations exposes students to diplomacy, international issues, and diverse cultural perspectives. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award provides a framework for resilience, leadership, and service through age-appropriate activities. Global Campus collaborations connect BIS Houston students with peers worldwide to work on shared projects and global challenges in areas such as UNICEF's Global Challenge and the Share a Dream program. These experiences extend learning beyond the classroom through real-world inquiry and leadership opportunities.

Arts & Creative
Students may choose from visual and performing arts activities including dance, crafts, and photography. The Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme enriches music, drama, and dance. BIS Houston offers vocal groups and ensembles as part of its music program developed with Juilliard. These opportunities foster creative expression and collaboration through performance.

Cultural & Language
Model United Nations exposes students to diplomacy, international issues, and diverse cultural perspectives. Global Campus links BIS Houston with Nord Anglia peers worldwide for cross-cultural challenges and collaborative projects. Participation in UNICEF's Global Challenge and the Share a Dream program fosters global citizenship and social awareness. The school embeds UN SDGs and the UNCRC into activities, strengthening international-mindedness.

Social & Hobbies
After School Activities (ASAs) provide opportunities across interest areas after school every day. The programme includes basketball, soccer, Lego, robotics, tennis, gymnastics, fencing, Karate, and dance. ASAs run from 3:45 to 4:45 pm for Early Years through High School. Sign-ups are managed through SchoolsBuddy on a first-come, first-served basis, with block dates published each term.

Community & Service
Global Campus's Social Purpose programme includes learning about the UN SDGs and UNICEF's Global Challenge. The Share a Dream initiative focuses on social outreach across BIS Houston and Nord Anglia peers. BIS Houston also runs Tanzanian expeditions to contribute to local communities and engage in service activities. These initiatives cultivate civic responsibility and teamwork.

Leadership & Professional
Model United Nations builds leadership, teamwork, and public speaking. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award encourages resilience, creativity, leadership, and civic competence. Global Games and Nord Anglia collaborations provide opportunities to lead teams in cross-school events. These experiences complement classroom learning by developing practical leadership and collaboration skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics includes cross-country, volleyball, soccer, swimming, basketball, track and field, tennis, golf, and esports. The Personal Social Health and Emotional (PSHE) curriculum covers psychology, relationships, health, emotional literacy, mindfulness, social skills, and well-being. School assemblies foster student voice and confidence as part of BIS Houston's wellbeing approach. The school prioritizes wellbeing as an essential part of student development.
Languages

Language Provision
Heritage Language Programmes are offered for Dutch, German, French, and Spanish. Dutch and German heritage programmes are available for native-speaking students from Years 1 to 11; French heritage language programme is available for students in Years 1 to 11 who can read and write in French; Spanish heritage language programme serves Spanish-speaking students from Years 1 to 9. In Primary and Middle School, heritage language and cultural enrichment is provided for at least one hour per week. The school also runs an EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme with 1–10 hours of instruction per week, depending on level, with proficiency assessed against CEFR levels.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Enquire. Contact BIS Houston by phone, email, or the online enquiry form. The Admissions Team will guide you through next steps and answer questions, including entry requirements. To apply, prepare your child's drawing or writing task as defined in Entry Requirements; teacher evaluation forms for your child's year; and transcripts from the current and previous school year.

2. Discover BIS Houston. Visit BIS Houston to see the campus and classrooms and speak with teachers for firsthand information.

3. Apply. Submit your online application. Applications are accepted throughout the school year, and places are offered based on availability. The Admissions Team can answer questions and explain BIS Houston's entry requirements. You will need to prepare the drawing or writing task, teacher evaluations, and transcripts as part of the application.

Scholarships
FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS BIS Houston awards financial aid based on demonstrated financial need. BIS Houston partners with TADS, a third-party financial aid assessment service. To submit a financial aid application, parents should complete the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) and submit required supporting documents. For the 2026-2027 school year, applications open on February 1, 2026 on the TADS Family Portal with the school partner code 200293. A Financial Aid Committee reviews completed TADS applications and recommends awards, which require additional approval. Incomplete TADS applications are not reviewed. All financial aid information is confidential and financial aid only covers partial tuition. The review process begins in February each year and continues until funds are exhausted; priority review is given to re-enrolling families who submit their TADS applications in February. If a family receives an award, there is a deadline to accept and return an enrollment contract. Financial aid is awarded for one school year and there is no guarantee for subsequent years. For new families, a student must apply and be accepted before the financial aid application is reviewed. If awarded, the family will be notified by the Admissions Coordinator and given a deadline to enroll. For re-enrolling families, awards are not given to families with past due balances. TEFA funding is available; families must also apply for TEFA via Odyssey and share TEFA decisions with BIS Houston. Steps for TEFA: 1) Submit Financial Aid information via the TADS Family Portal; 2) Apply for TEFA funding through Odyssey; 3) Share TEFA results with BIS Houston. TEFA and Financial Aid are coordinated with BIS Houston. HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP: We welcome applications from any student who will be in high school in the 26/27 school year (Year 10 to Year 13).
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare British International School of Houston with
vs The Awty International School vs Lycée International de Houston vs The Village School
Search for more schools
Search schools in United States View all schools in Houston View all schools in United states IB curriculum schools in United States Open days & tours in Houston What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools